Dillon Rinn sets Australian record at Elephant Trail Race in Port Macquarie as judges cast eye over world record books

That was the reason why Newcastle runner Dillon Rinn stared down the Cairncross State Forest and told himself he was going to conquer it.

Nearly 40 hours later, the 25-year-old had created an Australian record as the first runner to complete 100 kilometres while wearing a 15-kilogram weighted vest.

It is now believed to potentially be a world record following his Elephant Trail Race success at the weekend.

"Your body gives up long before your mind does so it's about seeing how far extra your mind can take you," he said.

"For me it's exciting, a challenge and with this one it's about doing something no one else has ever done.

"There's a reason for that as I found out pretty quickly."

Rinn prefers to push his personal boundaries - in his first attempt at the race he completed 160 kilometres, then the following year that extended to 200.

While the kilometres were less in his third race, it dawned on him pretty early that the 15-kilogram weight was going to be a challenge.

"About 10 kilometres in it started to dawn on me when you realise how much further you've got to go," he said.

"I wouldn't be able to compare it to any other course in Australia; with the elevation and the way the course is ... it's not one you can run all the way."

With his body almost giving up, Rinn admitted he had to drag his left foot for the final lap - all 27 kilometres of it.

"The first lap I did in five and a half hours ... the last lap was nine and a half," he said.

In total, it was four laps equalling a torturous 112 kilometres.

While the recovery is underway from his weekend trip to Port Macquarie, Rinn is now eyeing off his next challenge.

"I've got to do something else now and I was thinking I might do a 100-kilometre swim in a pool."

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